Iran Occupational Health

Background and aims: Using X-ray for diagnostic test, is one of the most important exposure to radiation sources for general population and in particular for radiation workers. Therefore, holding down the pollution at the lowest possible level is very important for protection against the internal exposure. The objective of this study is to survey the scattered X-ray rate and received dose by staff of angiography department in a military hospital.

 Methods: Present cross – sectional study was conducted in a military hospital. The scattered x-ray produced from different angiography modes (pulse high-dose and continuous fluoroscopy) was measured in one and two meters distance of angiography set and in outside of the angiography room by using SmartION Model 2100 S. The staff received dose in 2 months, 1 year and 5 years periods, was obtained through staffs film badge results.

Results: The results showed the scattered X-ray rate in one and two meters distance from patient table for pulse mode fluoroscopy was 47 and 7.9 µSVh^-1 and for continuous fluoroscopy was 8.9 and 4 µSVh^-1 respectively. The obtained results from the personnel film badge for a period of one and five years were respectively 8.08 and 22,85 mSV per year for physician's staff, 1,44 and 2,12 mSv per year for radiologists staff and 1 and 2.55mSv per year for nurses, respectively. The dose received by all employees was less than the permissible limits (20 mSv per year).

Conclusion: The various modes of angiography, experience and expertise of the physicians and other factors can play an important role in received effective dose by staff. The staff training, optimized radiation protection practice and staff dose monitoring can be kept well below the annual received dose limit.